Chapter 1:

King Lukens was getting angrier by the second, as he listened to the account from the Duke of the Southern Isles, on his return from Arendelle. Why was Prince Hans in the BRIG? But his anger, initially at his Uncle Roland, was now focused on his brother, Hans. He did WHAT? Didn't he UNDERSTAND why he was included on this voyage in the first place? How STUPID could he be?

One week ago, the Southern Isles Council, made up of King Lukens and his next 11 oldest brothers, who were minor kings, were discussing whom to send to the Coronation of the new Queen of Arendelle. Hans, of course, was not present, though he was SUPPOSED to be, even though he had not achieved a minor kingship within the Southern Isles (he hadn't shown he was mature enough to handle the position in the past). He had 'pressing business' elsewhere.

"The members of the delegation are very important," stated Lukens. "We finally will get an opportunity to express our desire to open a Trade Route with the new ruler of Arendelle face-to-face."

"And hopefully put a dent in our main trade rival, Weselton's wealth," added Leif.

"Arendelle is fiercely loyal to its trade partners. We need to show them what we can do for Arendelle through a Trade Agreement, and in the process, help ourselves as well," said Amund.

"So who do we send?" asked Thor. "Obviously Uncle Roland as Duke needs to go, but who else can we send to show Arendelle we are very much in earnest about this? Unfortunately, none of us present at this Council can go as we have to govern our islands."

"But it would make a very favorable impression on the new Queen if we send someone from the Royal family as a representative with Uncle Roland," said Berg.

"I'm aware of that, Berg, and I agree we need to send someone else beside Uncle Roland to add legitimacy to our cause," stated Lukens. "I've been thinking of sending Hans."

"Not Hans!" exclaimed Thor. "He doesn't even bother to show up for our Council meetings! What in the world makes you think HE could handle something so important?"

"He's 21. It's about time he showed definitively if he is monarch material or not. Maybe he doesn't show up for our meetings because he thinks we'll treat him like he's invisible, like three other brothers did for two years," stated Lukens as he cast disapproving glances at Felix, Stig, and Jen. The three brothers squirm uncomfortably in their seats. " But those three straightened up and earned their monarchies, why not Hans?"

"Sadly, Lukens, I have the same misgivings as Thor," stated Berg. "Is Hans mature enough to handle this?"

"But what could possibly go wrong?" stated Lukens defensively. "Uncle Roland will be there as well. It's not like we'd just be sending him by himself to represent the Southern Isles. Uncle Roland can keep him in check! Even if he commits a major faux pas, Uncle Roland is an expert at smoothing over those rough spots."

"That's true. Uncle Roland is a master diplomat. There isn't much he can't fix," agreed Leif. "And this would be a good mission for Hans to prove himself on; short and sweet."

"So what says the Council?" asked Lukens. "Do we send Hans, or look for someone else."

"I'll support Hans," said Leif.

"So will I!" stated Berg emphatically. And so the vote went. It was unanimous, with only Thor left to vote.

"I have my reservations about Hans, but I'll reluctantly go along with my other brothers," agreed Thor. "Now what is in it for Hans if he pulls this off successfully?"

"As you all know, I have given each of you two islands to govern as a reward for proving your mettle. Right now I still control Eurus, Zephyrus and Notos. I'll make him king over Eurus and Zephyrus. Notos, being so tiny, insignificant and isolated I'll keep. To give him Notos would be an insult," stated Lukens.

"Very good, but if he messes this up, include Notos as well. He'll get the message," Thor proposed.

The other brothers murmured in agreement. Lukens would let Hans know he would be part of the delegation to the Coronation of the Queen of Arendelle, but his reward would be kept as a surprise for him on his return.

And now here was Hans, returning from the Coronation in the ship's Brig, with a sealed parchment from the Queen of Arendelle!